Protests incoming, MAGA terrified, Bernie and AOC tell it like it is
The David Pakman Show - October 16, 2025
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The No Kings protests return this weekend, and the Trump administration is anxious about turnout. Trump downplayed the demonstrations, saying “nobody is really going to be there,” while allies like Sean Hannity and Stephen Miller urged supporters to stay home, warning of potential dangers. Organizers believe the nonviolent resistance could reach roughly 12 million people, capable of forcing political change.
Anxiety over the protests extends beyond Trump. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned of “far-left, hardcore, unhinged” demonstrations that could harm the economy, despite having no direct connection. The first No Kings Day was peaceful, highlighting a disconnect between the administration’s portrayal and reality.
A CNN town hall with Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez focused on the health care crisis connected to the government shutdown. Sanders warned millions could lose coverage and cited studies showing tens of thousands of deaths could result. AOC criticized a proposed one-year extension of ACA subsidies as cynical and insufficient, framing it as a temporary maneuver to protect Republicans in the midterms while leaving Americans exposed afterward.
Donald Trump made erratic remarks in the Oval Office, criticizing Senator Chuck Schumer’s “IQ” while projecting insecurities about his own cognition. He threatened military action in Venezuela without congressional approval and claimed tariffs prevented a nuclear war between Iran and Pakistan.
At an event with donors, Trump bragged about supporters offering him $25 million and celebrated his friends’ business monopolies. He digressed on the Lincoln Bedroom, gold in the Oval Office, and his beloved presidential ballroom.
Nancy Pelosi shut down a right-wing reporter trying to blame her for January 6, stating she did not refuse the National Guard, and that it was Trump’s responsibility. The reporter’s bad-faith questioning highlighted attempts to spread debunked conspiracy theories, and Pelosi’s clear response reinforced the need to hold propagandists accountable.
JD Vance dismissed leaked messages from Republican leaders expressing support for Hitler as “kids in a chat room.” The messages came from adults who are well-connected to the party infrastructure. Vance also falsely claimed most political violence comes from the left, despite data showing right-wing extremists are responsible for the majority of attacks.
Finally, Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva, Democrat from Arizona’s 7th congressional district, joins us to discuss the delay in her swearing-in and how it connects to the Republican effort to block the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files.
On today’s bonus show:
A judge halts Trump’s shutdown layoffs. Capitol Police investigate a swastika found in a representative’s office. The US revokes the visas of six foreigners over Charlie Kirk comments, and much more...
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I have unfortunately been sidelined for a couple of weeks with Covid but now recovering. The WH people have lately ramped up the delivery of their false information campaign to discredit the coming Oct 18 peaceful protests that are planned, calling them 9/11 terrorist supporters. I can assure you all that I am not a terrorist, however I do support any peaceful activities showing opposition to most of the current regime’s propaganda trying to claim that anyone who dislikes chump I a terrorist. I dislike him because he is not in any reasonable person’s mind at all qualified to be president of the US due to his character, actions over the past 35+ years, is morally and criminally corrupt and seems to be trying to turn the US into a dictatorship under his fascist leadership.
Stand fast , resist peacefully And march !